Examining the relationship between boxers' ruminative thoughts and effective decision making in sports

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between boxers' ruminative thinking and effective decision-making in sports, as well as to explore how this relationship varies across different demographic variables. To this end, a sample of 245 athletes actively engaged in boxing in 2024 was selected. The study employed a correlational research design, a quantitative research method. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Sports Competition Rumination Scale, and the Sports Effective Decision-Making Scale. During the data analysis phase, statistical techniques including percentage and frequency distributions, Spearman and Pearson correlation analyses, t-tests, regression analyses, and the Mann-Whitney U test were utilized. The findings revealed no significant differences concerning the variables of gender, nationality, and psychological support received according to the Sports Competition Rumination Scale. Furthermore, no correlation was found between age and sports age in relation to this scale. Analysis of the Sports Effective Decision-Making Scale indicated that a significant difference was observed only with respect to the gender variable. Notably, significant differences were detected in both sub-dimensions (external and internal decisionmaking) related to the variable "Do you receive psychological support?" Significant variations were also found in both the external and internal decision-making sub-dimensions concerning nationality. Additionally, a positive but weak correlation was identified between age and the internal decision-making sub-dimension, whereas a negative weak correlation was observed between sports age and the external decision-making sub-dimension, with a positive weak correlation noted for internal decision-making. Correlation analysis between the scales demonstrated a moderate negative relationship between the Sports Competition Rumination Scale and the internal decision-making sub-dimension of the Effective Decision-Making in Sports Scale, whereas a positive weak relationship was found with the external decision-making sub-dimension. Finally, regression analysis results indicated that the Sports Competition Rumination Scale significantly predicted both sub-dimensions of the Effective DecisionMaking in Sports Scale.